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The Ranger

Police: Woman safe after kidnapping, assault

Apr 9, 2014 - From staff reports

A 40-year-old woman is safe after allegedly being kidnapped from the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Officials arrested Robert Afterbuffalo, 40, of Riverton, for kidnapping, robbery, driving under the influence and domestic battery as a result of the incident, which was reported at about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday from First Interstate Bank, 323 E. Main St.

Afterbuffalo had reportedly driven to the bank's drive-up window to cash a check, which he had taken from his victim. An employee at the bank called police after seeing that someone had written, "Call 911 he's killing me," on the back of the check.

Several officers responded to the scene, rushing the vehicle and taking Afterbuffalo into custody while attending to his victim.

Officials said Afterbuffalo had taken the woman from the reservation against her will and driven her to Riverton, where he assaulted her and forced her to give him the check. They said Afterbuffalo and his victim had a previous domestic relationship.

Officials commended the bank teller for thinking quickly and remaining calm to keep the "violent crime" from continuing. The incident is under investigation by the Riverton and Wind River police departments, and no further information was available Wednesday.